The Mudflats

Tiptoeing Through the Muck of Alaskan Politics

Anchorage Speaks Out Against Palin’s Rejection of Stimulus Money.

It’s been a while since a bunch of hopping mad Alaskans gathered with signs to protest the actions of our governor.  But today, at 9:30 in the morning in the bitter cold, hundreds showed up to wave signs, mingle with legislators, pack the Assembly chambers, give public testimony and send a message loud and clear that Alaska wants our fair share of the federal stimulus money.

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The fact that Alaskans actually had to go to these lengths to reaffirm their desire for money coming into the state probably came as a bit of a shock to the likes of Congressman Don Young and former Senator Ted Stevens, whose long reigns in the congressional delegation were based largely on their ability to bring home the federal bacon.  This whole “we don’t need the money” meme is brand new.  Apparently there are Alaskans who are so madly in love with Palin that they don’t mind the fact that she as the advocate for the state of Alaska, suddenly feels more of a sense of duty to save the country money than to represent the interests of her constituents.   As Shannyn Moore noted on the Ron Reagan radio program on Air America, if Palin were really interested in saving the country money, she’d take all the stimulus funds and then write a check back to the Federal Government.  Because, as it stands now, any money we don’t take will happily be gobbled up by a more intelligent governor who will be amazed at his or her good fortune at the expense of Alaskans, who will be left out in the cold. 

~~A New Yorker in our midst?  Hey, Buddy! Stimulate THIS!~~

~~A New Yorker in our midst? Hey, Buddy! Stimulate THIS!~~

stimulus3

~~~Alaskans will be left in the cold....literally.

 stimulus9

stimulus11

stimulus12

Well said, Littlest Mudflatter! :0)

Showing up to hang out with the protesters were mayoral candidate Walt Monegan, former legislator and congressional candidate Ethan Berkowitz, gubernatorial candidate Bob Poe, bloggers Celtic Diva, Immoral Minority, and Shannyn Moore.  Also, Legislators Rep. Harry Crawford, Rep. Les Gara, and Sen. Hollis French mingled with sign wavers.

Walt Monegan and Senator Hollis French

Walt Monegan and Senator Hollis French

 

Rep. Harry Crawford, and Ethan Berkowitz

Rep. Harry Crawford, and Ethan Berkowitz

 

Rep. Les Gara
Rep. Les Gara
Bob Poe

Bob Poe

The signs, as usual, were creative, biting, and said in no uncertain terms that this group, and many more who were there in spirit, are fed up with the political posturing of the governor, and the ease with which she winks and throws Alaska and its most vulnerable residents including special needs children, and those in Title 1 schools under the bus.

Oh no! That's Ethan Berkowitz "under the bus"!

Oh no! That's Ethan Berkowitz "under the bus"!

Governor - this is what happens when your metaphor comes back to bite you.

Governor - this is what happens when your metaphor comes back to bite you.

 

stimulus26
 
 

There was a good representation of those who are also appalled at the Board of Game, and the Palin administration’s draconian predator control methods. The shooting of wolves from helicopters has been halted in the face of legal challenges, lack of snowcover which makes the wolves easier to see, and the fact that they burned up almost $100,000 in one weekend killing 60 wolves.  Guess the state of Alaska would rather spend money on stuff like that than special education, weatherization, and all that other nonsense.

stimulus5

Inside the library Assembly chambers, the house was packed, with many standing in the back.  Hearing public testimony were Sen. Bettye Davis, Sen. Bill Weilechowski, Sen. Lesil McGuire,  Sen. Con Bunde, Sen. Kevin Meyer, Rep. Les Gara, Rep. Harry Crawford, Rep. Cherise Millett, Rep. Chris Tuck,  and Rep. Sharon Cissna.  Rep. Pete Petersen was unable to attend due to a recently broken ankle!  (Wishing Pete a speedy recovery on behalf of all Mudflatters!)

Senator Fred Dyson showed up almost half an hour late, and spent the whole time smacking gum, whispering to Con Bunde and looking utterly disinterested.  And just for good measure, he left early.   Just making sure our friends in Eagle River got that bit of info.  File that away in your “reasons to get my friends out to vote next time” folder. 

~~Rep. Chris Tuck, Sen. Hollis French, Rep. Bob Buch
~~Rep. Chris Tuck, Sen. Hollis French, Rep. Bob Buch, Rep. Les Gara
~~Senator Fred Dyson paying rapt attention to those giving heartfelt public testimony on behalf of Alaska's children.

~~Senator Fred Dyson paying rapt attention to those giving heartfelt public testimony on behalf of Alaska's children.

Acting Mayor Matt Claman spoke up first for accepting the stimulus money, as did Anchorage School District Superintendant Carol Comeau, then Assemblywoman Elvi Gray-Jackson, a representative from the University and others.

~~Acting Mayor Matt Claman says "Take the money!"

~~Acting Mayor Matt Claman says "Take the money!"

Assembly member Elvi Gray-Jackson says, "Take the money!"

Assembly member Elvi Gray-Jackson says, "Take the money!"

~~Former state senator, Republican gubernatorial candidate and political legent Arilss Sturgulewski says, "Take the Money!"

~~Former state senator, Republican gubernatorial candidate and political legend Arilss Sturgulewski says, "Take the Money!"

Sheila Selkregg says, "Take the ...."  oh, you get the idea.

Sheila Selkregg says, "Take the ...." oh, you get the idea.

 

There were many comments from the public on the stimulus issue, and by my estimate there were 50 or more left in the queue at the end who never had time to speak.  Only one person spoke out in favor of Palin’s “we don’t need no stinking money” plan, and the three minutes he had in front of the podium devolved into some kind of “if only the Palestinians would stop shooting over the wall we’d have peace in the Middle East” diatribe.  The groaning in the audience was palpable. All the other comments from parents of kids in Title 1 schools, educators, those who work with special needs kids, and anyone with plain common sense were heartfelt, passionate, and definitely NOT in favor of rejecting money that will help the most vulnerable Alaskans.

And the intrepid Andree McLeod was there for good measure to remind Legislators to keep Sarah Palin’s mysterious undisclosed emails on their radar, in addition to new ethics charges she has just filed.

~~Andree McLeod speaks her piece.

~~Andree McLeod speaks her piece.

A good, and tiring day. It felt like the old days…(the old days being October).

After listening to hours of testimony about how desperately Alaska needs money for its schools, and other programs for which money is being rejected in the name of political posturing, and after my infiltration of the venom-filled “Lincoln Day” dinner sponsored by the Republican Party, I offer these words to those who think rejecting this money is the right thing.

I can only say that I view [education] as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.
Abraham Lincoln in his first political address
–March 9, 1832

 

 

 

156 to “Anchorage Speaks Out Against Palin’s Rejection of Stimulus Money.”


  1. 1
    Maria from Landover Hills, MDNo Gravatar says:

    what a fabulous day you had! I’ve been waiting for this report all day.

  2. 2
    Martha Unalaska Yard SignNo Gravatar says:

    Beautifully done, said and attended Anchorage! Southeast mudpuppies are proud of you!

  3. 3
    mhrtNo Gravatar says:

    great story – great pictures
    thanks

  4. 4
    Lori in Los AngelesNo Gravatar says:

    Thanks AKM and ALL who attended. Hopes high for Bob Poe. whazz up with Dyson, lol?

  5. 5
    Rob in CaNo Gravatar says:

    What is ironic is that Palin really wants this money, and it kills her that SarahPac (and John Coale) told her she had to turn it down to be well positioned for President in 2012. She can’t wait for the legislature to accept it over her strident objections.

  6. 6

    AKM ROCKS!!!

    I couldn’t be there, but, boy did I miss a good one. Thanks for this great post. So great to see so many people there on such a chilly, breezy morning!

  7. 7
    empishNo Gravatar says:

    KTTU’s lead photo of the rally was a cropped picture of a sign. All they showed was “Screw you Alaska”. Conveniently left off the rest of it.

  8. 8
    Writing from AlaskaNo Gravatar says:

    I just posted a few things at freerangewriting.blogspot.com – though not as good as AKM’s there are there for those interested – Totally good day.

  9. 9
    Writing from AlaskaNo Gravatar says:

    …that should be “they are there” not there are there – but they are there so there somewhere….

  10. 10
    Team AlaskaNo Gravatar says:

    Rock on mudflaters! I wish I was there physically, but know that I was there totally in faith and spirit.

    Was great to see so many well respected and represented ALASKANS!

    Nice reporting 007! I’m a wannabe secret agent of change.

    Did anyone find those Where’s Sarah pins?

  11. 11
    aspieceliaNo Gravatar says:

    Thank you. I found it very painful that I could not be there. You report made me feel a little better.

  12. 12
    Writing from AlaskaNo Gravatar says:

    PS – all of the people who remained till the end were allowed to speak – some folks left before their name was called.

  13. 13
    Enjay in Eastern MTNo Gravatar says:

    Good going everyone.
    Excellent report & pic’s.

    GINO has herself in an untenable position
    ~~ Take the money to support Alaskans & possible 2nd term Gov –
    upsetting the conservative base & limited support for higher office
    ~~ Refuse the money – gaining the republican base support but
    not run for Gov again – goals set for higher office.

    Did she blink THIS time??

  14. 14
    TriniNo Gravatar says:

    The littlest Mudflatter says it all! Thanks AKM for the report!

  15. 15
    Grandma NancyNo Gravatar says:

    Thanks for the great report. We’ve been anxiously awaiting it. Great job everybody!

  16. 16
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    First – Thank you for once again layin’ it out for all to see !! You and your camera are one !! Dang – Give that fart Dyson a jab with a fully charged cattle prod !! He looked like he was propped up like “Bernie”.

  17. 17
    califpatNo Gravatar says:

    Success Yes! What a wonderful sight, Alaskans fighting for Alaska’s citixens ans children against insanity and psychopathic decisions that be short term and long term devastation for the people and espescially for the children. Gino, listen up, could you see intelligent people rallying against your ineptness from Wasilla?

    An excellent job AKM and all those that participated. I applaud you all for a job well done. You may all take your bows.

  18. 18
    Women Who Run With The WolvesNo Gravatar says:

    Thank you, thank you, thank you ! For keeping us up dated on what transpiered today. Although I could not be there, I was with you there in spirit. I don’t like no one telling me what’s what….so Gino, when the lower 48 tells you what you should do….then count on us true Alaskan’s saying, “Thanks, but NO thanks” to our Gino and her continuance swinging pendulum of manic moves. Sorry sweetcheeks, it truly is about us, and NOT soely about you and yours.

  19. 19
    califpatNo Gravatar says:

    0oops! That’s citizens.

  20. 20
    Cynamen WinterNo Gravatar says:

    Excellent coverage, as per usual!!!

    Keep beating the drums…

    :-)

  21. 21
    marcus2No Gravatar says:

    That “Got Hope” poster with Sarah frothing at the mouth is the best. It says it all.

  22. 22
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    more like “Got Dope”

  23. 23
    nabrumNo Gravatar says:

    Way cool. Anyway to get this to the national MSM?
    Maybe someone can post the link to haraSmaeT :)

  24. 24
    seattlefanNo Gravatar says:

    God bless you AKM! After your soiree last night and today’s venture…you must be exhausted. Both ventures were excellent. I am in Seattle, but feel your pain up there. I love Alaska and have been there twice for vacations. I applaud all of you up there who are mobilizing and speaking up. Keep up your excellent work and stay strong. Thanks for the great undercover story from last night and the awesome pictures and reporting from today.

    Did anyone find those “Where’s Sarah” pins you planted? Would love to know. LMHO!

  25. 25
    Forty WattNo Gravatar says:

    Another great job. Can’t wait for the next installment. Hopefully, it will be a “happily ever after” story–or at least “happily for a good while.”

  26. 27
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    Senator Fred Dyson is the newest member of the snooze club.

    slide show includes Cheney

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/24/political-figures-sleepin_n_169652.html

  27. 28
    trish in SW FLNo Gravatar says:

    Glad there was such a good turn-out! The signs were excellent!

  28. 29
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    Are the proceedings and speakers recorded on video ??

  29. 30
    Cynamen WinterNo Gravatar says:

    “And the intrepid Andree McLeod was there for good measure to remind Legislators to keep Sarah Palin’s mysterious undisclosed emails on their radar, in addition to new ethics charges she has just filed.”
    …………………………………………….
    Can absolutely appreciate the fact that we still have her under a microscope…and no longer will GINO continue to weasel out of her house of cards!

    Good on ya!

  30. 31
    BardetteNo Gravatar says:

    GINO (Kevin (tried to chat me up once) Rowland/Bardette)
    Back in ’64 was born a sweaty grub (oh GINO)
    Johnson was Prez and as far as you could get from Shrub (oh GINO)
    And you grew in Alaska with extremist views
    After years of flunking and bunking school
    The lowest head in the crowd that night
    Just practicing [pageant] steps and keeping the limelight

    Academic inspiration, you had but zilch
    To your classmates you were nought but a Be-ach
    And now look at me writing all this poetry about you
    No I’m not being flash, it’s what I’m built to do

    Queen Snowflake took the stage her ego swinging high (oh GINO)
    What a fake, what a phoney, her mouth can only lie (oh GINO)

    The nuts, they all hailed you and chanted your name
    But they never knew like we knew you and you were so lame
    And now you’re all over, with your waning fame
    You totally outraged me, I’ll remember your name

    Educational money, you gave us zip
    Running on empty and you just give us only your lip
    And now just look at me as I’m spitting on you
    No I’m not being flash, it’s what I’m meant to do
    Oh GINO (oh GINO)
    Oh GINO (oh GINO)

  31. 32
    palin should be recalledNo Gravatar says:

    SARAH PALIN HATES POOR, HUNGRY CHILDREN and SENIOR CITIZENS.

  32. 33
    ErinNo Gravatar says:

    Thanks, AKM, for posting my little girl’s picture! I swear I think she was the most photographed person of the day. We had a blast.

  33. 34
    anon bloggerNo Gravatar says:

    Excellent job AKM…and all Mudflatters!!!

  34. 35
    califpatNo Gravatar says:

    @Erin: Your little girl’s message spoke volumes to Gino and Alaskans and so very creative. I just loved it.

  35. 36
    DrChillNo Gravatar says:

    Nice job AKM. MSM should have been there doing the job you’re doing!

    Sarah will try to have her cake and eat it too.
    She’ll take most of the money, after she claims she was forced into it.
    She can say its not necessary, not fiscally conservative, and will dismiss the practical benefits of using the money while complaining how it violates her core values.

    She’ll claim she needs to be on a national ticket, so she can effectively bring her conservatism to a national level.
    The problem isn’t Palin’s values, its that that her values are not thoroughly in effect!

    Of course spending $500,000,000.00 on the pipe line – pipe dream is good fiscal policy in her mind. Education weatherization meals for seniors? No, the pipeline will keep them warm and fed…
    Education? Its just liberal propaganda!

  36. 37
    seattlefanNo Gravatar says:

    Erin, I saw the footage on the news and your little girl was shown! (Smart of you to keep her face out of the pic!) Awesome! For all of you who braved the cold and the adversity….I send you kudos and a heartfelt hug.

    Does anyone here know if there is a Mudflats group here in the Seattle area? I would love to get involved.

    =======

    AKM
    Great pics! I especially loved the sign that said “I can see the end of your political career from my house” LOL! Priceless.

    Thanks again for the coverage and your participation.

  37. 38
    JeanNo Gravatar says:

    Great coverage AKM – and great pictures!

  38. 39
    nebraska mudflatterNo Gravatar says:

    I am so heartened to see this story! Great job Alaska Mudflatters. Here in conservative Nebraska we are lucky that our gov actually wants the money, though he can’t help going through the motions of asking for “discussion.” We actually have a budget surplus, but still are talking about big cuts in education this legislative session, and thrilled to use the stimulus money for all of those road rehabilitation/construction projects that we don’t actually want to spend money on. Better to save it for a rainy day! Same hypocrisy, different name. And then we have Ben Nelson, the only Democrat in the U.S. Congress. But let’s not waste our breath. I am constantly inspired by AK Muckraker’s writing, and by the watchful citizens of AK. Keep it up!

  39. 40
    Martha Unalaska Yard SignNo Gravatar says:

    ADN Story on Palin / Stimulus / Rally

    http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/731931.html

  40. 41
    PollyNo Gravatar says:

    OT – When you consider the whole state of Alaska has the population size of most urban cities in other states, it was interesting to note that Alaska raised $977,438.00 for Obama according to FEC website. (move mouse over state)

    http://www.fec.gov/DisclosureSearch/mapApp.do?cand_id=P80003338

    McCain raised $321,101.00.. Do you think there was some ballot box tampering?

  41. 42
    Martha Unalaska Yard SignNo Gravatar says:

    Palin says (like who believes her anymore?) and her budget director, K Rehfeld, she didn’t reject the stimulus money and it’s all a big misunderstanding, so to speak.

    My problem with this? Why did EVERYONE including statewide media and the MSM “misunderstand” her stance via the press conference? Because she’s an IDIOT and either perpetrated this lack of clear communication so she could point BAD GUY at the gotcha media, or she’s just lame – getting her sound bites in for her whack job followers and confusing everyone in the process (again and again and again).

    SP has NO communication skills – people keep asking why she has so many spokespeople AND a governor lite who speak for her? This is why – she so sucks at anything in between being fakey sweet to a camera or constituent or being a whiny “oh woe is me” twit. She’s made a career about “smoke and mirrors”, and I think half the reason for that is that she can do nothing else since she can’t publicly speak and make sense. So she jockeys for confusion in everyone, then starts lying like crazy to make it worse.

  42. 43
    Aussie Blue SkyNo Gravatar says:

    It’s so refreshing to see those smart, engaged, creative people out and about again, telling Palin a thing or two that she needs to hear.

    Great pics, AKM.

  43. 44
    PaulaNo Gravatar says:

    So where was Sarah? Hehohum.

  44. 45
    sheeshNo Gravatar says:

    Favorite sign? ‘Sarah, I can see the end of your political career from my house’ Priceless and hopefully true!

  45. 46
    karen marieNo Gravatar says:

    bravo, AKmuckraker!

    and yes, indeed, where was la palin? not interested in hobnobbing with the riff-raff, eh?

  46. 47
    Aussie Blue SkyNo Gravatar says:

    @ Martha Unalaska Yard Sign (21:07:24) :

    What SarahPAC wanted to do was get the big “Palin rejects funding” headlines nationally for 48 hours – which is the limit of the Palin fans’ attention span.

    Applications for stimulus funding don’t have to be made until April 3rd, so Mrs Palin had plenty of time to waste politicking.

    Personally, I don’t believe the b*tch ever intended knocking back one red cent – it’s a game she’s playing with Jindal and Sanford, and I betcha they all take everything they can get also too, when they’ve finished posturing. A pox on the lot of them!

    Can you really imagine GINO with her hands behind her back when they’re handing out money?

  47. 48
    dowlNo Gravatar says:

    Thanks AKM and other ‘flatters for your work on behalf of Alaskans and the rest of us. Because of your posts, I’ve learned a lot about good-hearted human beings and a lot about the gated-skullduggery perpetuated by y’all’s GINO and crew. Loved the pictures and the signs from the rally for justice and against political hypocrisy.

    Today I received a thank you letter and certificate from Emmonek for our donation for heating oil. Anonymous bloggers in deed!

    South Side Chicago

  48. 49
    Lee323No Gravatar says:

    AKM, Great photos and report of the many people who braved the cold to protest Palin’s latest political posturing at the expense of the citizens of Alaska.

    I especially admire Andree McLeod…..what a warrior for justice! She has put herself out there on the line for months holding Palin’s and her cronies’ feet to the fire……. and not anonymously either.

    We need to vigorously back Andree’s efforts to obtain access to the sequestered emails that Palin’s been hiding from the public despite the Freedom of Information Act. Those emails have significant information that Palin doesn’t want anyone to see or she wouldn’t be guarding them so tightly.

    Andree, just let us know if you need some money to continue your fight against GINO.

  49. 50
    marlysNo Gravatar says:

    Bravo,Bravo! Mucho Mahalo !
    Great reporting & superb signs. If I had been able to go, I would have gone with a simple, obvious statement, like..
    “Sarah- pack- of -lies” or “Sarah, pack a bag!”
    next time

  50. 51

    You are all AWESOME!!

  51. 52
    barracuda78No Gravatar says:

    GREAT JOB ALASKA ! !
    …THE SIGNS WERE AWESOME….ALSO LIKED THE “I CAN SEE THE END OF YOUR POLITICAL CAREER FROM MY HOUSE” THE SIGN ON THE CHILD (ALSO)…WISH I COULD’VE BEEN THERE…..KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK…..

  52. 53
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    AKM, just cannot begin to tell you how great it was to read this. I was there with you all today, and waiting to hear the report. You must be totally wiped out, but it’s got to feel pretty good to know that your efforts this weekend made such a huge difference. The people were HEARD!

    I noticed that you did a good job of writing this for a national audience. Hopefully someone will take advantage of that.

    And, like others, I really want to know who found those Where’s Sarah buttons! Can’t you just see their faces?

    (and now I’m going to post quite a few times – sorry, just catching up!)

  53. 54
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    @Enjay in Eastern MT (19:21:02) :
    GINO has herself in an untenable position
    ~~ Take the money to support Alaskans & possible 2nd term Gov -
    upsetting the conservative base & limited support for higher office
    ~~ Refuse the money – gaining the republican base support but
    not run for Gov again – goals set for higher office.
    Did she blink THIS time??
    —————-
    I have a theory. Remember those push-polls a few of the MF’s got this past week? Something like ‘would it matter if Sarah Palin were re-elected as Alaska governor?’ Well, I think one of her PR people (likely one in high places) engineered that, knowing full well this rally would take place and there would be outcry from the people of Alaska. It was a way to test the waters, for her and her handlers to ascertain whether she should go for reelection or (choke) go for the gold.
    Anyway … my .02.

  54. 55
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    Littlest Mudflatter – Erin’s caped crusader – needs some kind of thank-you gift from all of us …….. What a trooper! (oops, did NOT mean that as a pun!) Now THAT’S the way to train a community organizer!!!

  55. 56
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    @marcus2: Oh yes! That “Got Hope” sign was truly scary. Absolutely perfect. I’ll probably have nightmares about it tonight.

  56. 57
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    Dyson looks like he had a hard night last night …

    Oh gosh – his nitenite-zzzzz’s made HuffPo! Whoopeeeeeeee

  57. 58
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    @Polly (21:03:38) :
    OT – When you consider the whole state of Alaska has the population size of most urban cities in other states, it was interesting to note that Alaska raised $977,438.00 for Obama according to FEC website. (move mouse over state)
    http://www.fec.gov/DisclosureSearch/mapApp.do?cand_id=P80003338
    McCain raised $321,101.00.. Do you think there was some ballot box tampering?
    =======
    Holy cow! Polly, that is totally eye-opening – astounding. I had never heard that. But I’ve always been convinced Alaska’s election was not the vote of the people.

  58. 59
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    @Martha Unalaska:
    She’s made a career about “smoke and mirrors”, and I think half the reason for that is that she can do nothing else since she can’t publicly speak and make sense.
    ————
    Totally agree. Have thought that all along. She luvvvvvvs having control, telling people what to do (and shoving knives in peoples’ backs). But she’s totally dependent on them for creating her spin. She must be one unhappy, miserable person. Vacuous.
    I’m convinced the only thing that matters to her is attention (once again, the narcissism). As long as she keeps getting headlines, however negative, she thinks she’s doing just fine.
    Funny thing is, she supposedly has a degree in – journalism ??? Isn’t that where they teach … communication skills?

  59. 60
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    @Lee323 (21:47:15) & Andree & ALL :
    I especially admire Andree McLeod…..what a warrior for justice! She has put herself out there on the line for months holding Palin’s and her cronies’ feet to the fire……. and not anonymously either.
    We need to vigorously back Andree’s efforts to obtain access to the sequestered emails that Palin’s been hiding from the public despite the Freedom of Information Act. Those emails have significant information that Palin doesn’t want anyone to see or she wouldn’t be guarding them so tightly.
    Andree, just let us know if you need some money to continue your fight against GINO.
    =============
    Big agreement, Lee. A special thanks to Andree. I read her post on HuffPo, and it was so articulate, hard-hitting and in-your-face ‘we’re never going to give up.’ Andree, don’t ever forget how much we all appreciate you! It ain’t ever easy being there in the line of fire.
    What worries me the most is the time that has elapsed now, and how many of those messages could be miraculously gone from the tubes, or sanitized. There is no excuse for it taking so long.
    Also, Andree – so glad you’re still plugging away. That announcement on the gov’s website (so obviously coordinated with SarahPAC) was an obvious infraction.

  60. 61
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    BTW, just so this thought doesn’t get lost -

    Can’t remember if I read it here or maybe on HuffPo, but someone said they went to the State of AK website for info on recall of a government official – and it could not be accessed. Something like the infamous ‘Error 404′.

    Anyone else tried that? I have to admit I haven’t, but didn’t want to lose the thought.

  61. 62
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    Polly – Great info !! Mr Tim Griffin made 20 {TWENTY} trips to AK. AK. uses Diebold voting machines. Tim is one sneaky , vote tampering piece of S^*t. Sure would love to see any e-mails and cell phone records between him and Sarah/Todd. I’m tellin’ ya………..

    http://www.bradblog.com/?p=4734

  62. 63
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    yukonbushgrma – did you see my link ^ to the snooze club ??

  63. 64
    ittyNo Gravatar says:

    KUDOS to all who came out. KUDOS.

    And, do I remember correctly, but wasn’t Les Gara there wearing a cloth coat and no hat….

    KUDOS again to all the amazingly magnificent souls who stand up against evil…..

  64. 65
    Aussie Blue SkyNo Gravatar says:

    Readers react to Palin’s rejection of stimulus money

    http://www.adn.com/opinion/letters/story/731749.html

  65. 66
    GindyNo Gravatar says:

    AK. uses Diebold voting machines.

    All Diebold machines have a delete function that was not known before they were used.
    http://www.truthout.org/030509VA
    Now you know…

  66. 67
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    If my ATM can give me a receipt for my transaction , WHY in the F^*K can’t the voting machine ?!?! Both machines are made by Diebold. I swear , if you ponder this long enough , a person could really get mad………..

  67. 68
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    @austintx (03:12:34) :
    yukonbushgrma – did you see my link ^ to the snooze club ??
    ———-
    yeah, bwahaaaaaaaaaaaa!

  68. 69
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    @Gindy – @austintx:

    D@mn Diebold. I knew it with Florida … Ohio … and goodness only knows what happened in Alaska.

    Last fall I got very interested in the election fraud subject, and got tuned into bradblog. It was there that I learned of the corruption, and the obvious negligence (inattentiveness – or what?) on the part of many states … much of which I assume to be collusion with the corrupt ones. It takes incredibly sharp techy-types to get down to the bottom of this. And I’m sure it ain’t finished yet.

    Shannyn Moore posted a few great blog posts about this back then — in fact, I’m sure that’s how I learned about it. Scares me to death. I’m convinced we need to go back to paper ballots, with simple ‘x’s’.

    *No* method of voting we have in the US truly reflects the will of the voters. And when you consider how easily the software designers can ‘program’, just how much do you trust them to secure your vote?

    ugh

    Let’s just go back to the simple ‘x’.

  69. 70
    yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar says:

    As a final goodnight — This comment on ADN *really* struck my funny bone, so thought you might enjoy it too (even though funny, pretty gosh darn true):

    lubaskid wrote (ON ADN) on 03/21/2009 11:13:09 PM:
    “Yes we want the bridge, no we don’t want the bridge, yes I suport the bridge, I said No Thanks to the bridge. Yes!!! If you have a special needs child, I am your friend; except when I don’t need your vote this minute. Then I say no fund for education & I make sure the quote I send out is meant for the nation not to those of with special needs children in Alaska. Look at my daughter and her boyfriend! No wait, I demand privacy, but wait they are getting married and are going to school. How dare you invade my daughter’s privacy! Oh look, we are on the cover of People, smile pretty Bristol! Leave my kids alone! Murk spent your money to fly in his jet. I only spent your money to live at home and pay for my kids to travel with me.

    “Whew, watching this lady makes me dizzy with all her spinning around, how about you?”
    ——–
    ‘nite all!

    yukonbushgrma

  70. 71
    katmcNo Gravatar says:

    I think some here see her plan.
    LOUDLY REJECT part of the stimulus knowing that the legislature will override her and if by some chance they don’t ——-very, very quietly take the money anyway.
    She’ll still have the large , PALIN REJECTS STIMULUS MONEY, to stay in voter’s minds.

    I can see another , “I said thanks but no thanks”, from my house. Doesn’t matter if it’s completely true or not the headlines are already in voter’s brains.
    ——————————————————
    Glad to see so many people out in the cold.
    Love the signs. Erin loved the one your little girl was wearing and YES, she does deserve better.

    OT received a thank you from the village of Emmonak yesterday.
    No thanks were needed but glad the money got to where it was intended.
    Even received a Certificate of Appreciation.
    TY Emmanok.

  71. 72
    UK LadyNo Gravatar says:

    Outstanding work AKM.

    So GINO’s gonna go from “I said thanks, but no thanks” to “I said no thanks, but thanks”.

    She is such a tool.

  72. 73
    IrishgirlNo Gravatar says:

    Wonderful photos and I loved all the slogans. Erin, your little girl is a true mudpuppy. :)

  73. 74
    UK LadyNo Gravatar says:

    Irishgirl, I gave you a huge WoooooooooHooooooooooo on the ‘from the belly post’ right after the match!!!!

  74. 75
    bubblesNo Gravatar says:

    to the cutie-pie baby girl, yes little one you deserve better and better is what you are going to get. your mama and her friends are doing all we can to make sure of that. thank you to all who protested the governors actions, or lack of, yesterday. you are the best. our own akm is,as always our eyes and ears on all things alaska. what a weekend!..love b

  75. 76
    futurexpat?No Gravatar says:

    Thanks so much for attending and reporting this! And thanks to all of you who attended! You are all an inspiration.

  76. 77
    Ripley in CTNo Gravatar says:

    well well well, it was a busy day for Mudpups all around yesterday!

    Bravo you Alaskans. The more you go, the more support you’ll have. SP must be upping her dosages lately, in order to keep that fake smile on her mug.

    Anyone else notice her hair a little unkempt lately? I know, I know, catty….

  77. 78
    IrishgirlNo Gravatar says:

    @UK Lady, Thanks….. :) :) :)

  78. 79
    Cynamen WinterNo Gravatar says:

    McCain raised $321,101.00.. Do you think there was some ballot box tampering?
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    Polly, for sure there was voter tampering and fraud….for if I recall correctly, there was one sector in Alaska where they kept “recounting” mail-in ballots, until they had manipulated the tally that they needed to avoid utter & complete embarrassment on GINO’s part.

    Even, with all the known & the unknown obstacles, the President rec’d 365 E-votes!

    So, we have to remain ever vigilant ~ because the wounded wicked are still devising plans as we speak (so to speak). Be watchful & remain involved as we seek to restore our nation…

  79. 80
    fawnskin mudpuppyNo Gravatar says:

    roflmao…
    talk about word salad. makes you wonder who really wrote this. it is one of the comments from adn:

    “Another_Dude wrote on 03/22/2009 04:43:34 AM:

    Sigh.

    There is hardly a point in lingering around here.

    The usual folks who can’t pass up a chance to slime Palin, or those ho have a vested interest in getting our money for their, or their relatives’ jobs in “education” will be here, saying the idea of passing up the dough is horrible. (With more colorful adjectives, that will, no doubt, also drag in the Palin family and paint the picture only deranged minds can come up with.

    The few brave souls who know the truth will attempt to correct the self-serving, or politically partisan lies. To no avail, as we’ve been seeing since she announced she refuses to allow the fed to enslave Alaska to perpetual poverty. (As if the people of this state needed any more than the many ways Obama’s going about accomplishing that goal, already, even without this power grab that takes our money, and amasses deficits that put the ones they kept ragging over Bush for years to shame.) “

  80. 81
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    Traditionally R’s donate more $ per person than the D’s . So with that in mind , and using the figures Polly provided , it seems there would have been more votes for Obama. Oh – silly me……..Tim Griffin was in AK. 20 {TWENTY} times !!

  81. 82
    AK KellyNo Gravatar says:

    Much gratitude from Southeast for all the Anchorage rallies and speaking out against this (insert favorite insult here) that we call our governor. I can’t believe she was once the lesser of two evils when Murkowski was the other option, my how times have changed. Thank you for standing around in the cold and thank you for getting the pictures out so the world can see we’re NOT gibberish speaking idiots!

  82. 83
    Cynamen WinterNo Gravatar says:

    fawnskin mudpuppyNo Gravatar (06:36:51) :

    roflmao…
    talk about word salad. makes you wonder who really wrote this. it is one of the comments from adn:
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    WOW….that Dude also had a unhealthy smattering of croutons, too!

    Perfect example of why GINO doesn’t want to help fund education for her constituents…
    Blind leading the blind syndrome.

  83. 84
    MarnieNo Gravatar says:

    Martha Unalaska Yard Sign “Palin says (like who believes her anymore?) and her budget director, K Rehfeld, she didn’t reject the stimulus money and it’s all a big misunderstanding, so to speak.”

    Palin lacks orgizational and managerial skills, and is too lazy to learn them. As a result she has no leadership qualifications.
    Why anybody can consider some one with those qualifications as leadership material is beyond me.

    I second Lincoln’s quote, and the same can be said for blogers and commenters who supply us with “Facts” and “Truths” to help us stay in the “Know.” (That’s you AKM, as well as us.)

    Totally OT but the All Spin Zone has illustrations showing what a Trillion dollars looks like. Think about walking around Wallmart on a double high stack of wood palates piled with thousand dollar bills. Pretty depressing really.

  84. 85
    Alaska PiNo Gravatar says:

    AKM- thank you!
    For this post and all you do to shine a light on Politics- the business of the people- here in Alaska.

    Neighbors in Anchorage- Yee Haw!!!
    Boy- wish I could have been there… So Happy YOU were!

    Ms McLeod-
    Thank you- yet again. May your courage and resolve remain unabated…

  85. 86
    petepetaNo Gravatar says:

    Good work AKM getting the word out, as usual pitiful coverage from the daily snooze. Dyson makes it look like the pro palin good ol boys were into the martinis for lunch again.

  86. 87
    rebekkahNo Gravatar says:

    Been reading posters comments in ADN and other sites. Concluding that the Alaskan administration/GINO is all too focused on building a great image, and not about the stimulus money. It’s about who’s for GINO, and who’s not. There seems to be a great divide that the Governor wishes to create. Obvious she is not about unifying AK lawmakers and legislators in a partisan way.

    I believe she really doesn’t have any convictions about the stimulus money one way or another. Seems at this point, that GINO never had any real convictions on anything. Wishy-washy all the way, depending on where the “opportunity for greatness” winds blow.

    Don’t know if she ever heard of “living one day in their shoes”. People are hurting everywhere. Does she watch the news? As a christian, she should know that holding back on money that would help the “community” because it makes an “appearance” of dependence on government is not a christian approach. What would Jesus do? I guess he wouldn’t get involved in politics first of all, people he taught you can’t serve God, and Mammon at the same time.

  87. 88
    Alaska PiNo Gravatar says:

    LEGs-
    Thank you for providing a public forum while you consider this problem.
    ( I even forgive Rep Dyson- from a perfectly human place, though I hope his constituients do not. He seems to have hit the time of life I have – where maintaining a heartbeat and breathing constitute multi-tasking. Chewing gum AND listening carefully may have well have become impossible :-) )

    And I do not care if the ghastly gov is jockeying for political gain here… She hasn’t figured out yet that we are jacking up the bus…
    A few more months and we may have it up on blocks with the wheels removed…

  88. 89
    MarthaNo Gravatar says:

    While Palin rejects monies because of “strings attached” she has no problem having Alaska lead, as the highest per capita state in the union for earmarks, or PORK.

    The National average is $22.39 per person per state, while Alaska sits at $209.71per person!!

    What happened to all the Palin campaign of “no more pork”? Palin was going to be all mavericky with John McCain and do away with PORK.

    How can Palin accept this huge amount of pure PORK? Palin said it was a waste of tax payer monies and John McCains request for PORK this time was a big fat 0.

    In Obamas home state of Illinois, their total PORK was $140,965,682 compared to Alaska at 143,922,875. The population of Illinois is 12,215,270 more than Alaska.

    They have over 12 million more people in Illinois, yet their PORK bill is LESS than Alaskas. Illinois PORK per person is $10.93, While Alaskas is at 209.71!

    Palin is at the top of the trough, when it comes to pork, hypocrisy and out right BS.

    Grab some popcorn and enjoy;

    Kieth Olberman slams Sarah Palin over stimulus and suggests impeachment rather than AK legislators overruling her desicion!

    Palin’s stimulus ploy

    March 20: The Nation’s Chris Hayes talks about the real reasons why Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska, chose to accept only some of the stimulus money for her state.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/29806127#29806127

  89. 90
    MarthaNo Gravatar says:

    Grab some popcorn and enjoy;

    Kieth Olberman slams Sarah Palin over stimulus and suggests impeachment rather than AK legislators overruling her desicion!

    Palin’s stimulus ploy

    March 20: The Nation’s Chris Hayes talks about the real reasons why Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska, chose to accept only some of the stimulus money for her state.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/29806127#29806127

  90. 91
    MarthaNo Gravatar says:

    While Palin rejects monies because of “strings attached” she has no problem having Alaska lead, as the highest per capita state in the union for earmarks, or PORK.

    The National average is $22.39 per person per state, while Alaska sits at $209.71per person!!

    What happened to all the Palin campaign of “no more pork”? Palin was going to be all mavericky with John McCain and do away with PORK.

    How can Palin accept this huge amount of pure PORK? Palin said it was a waste of tax payer monies and John McCains request for PORK this time was a big fat 0.

    In Obamas home state of Illinois, their total PORK was $140,965,682 compared to Alaska at 143,922,875. The population of Illinois is 12,215,270 more than Alaska.

    They have over 12 million more people in Illinois, yet their PORK bill is LESS than Alaskas. Illinois PORK per person is $10.93, While Alaskas is at 209.71!

    Palin is at the top of the trough, when it comes to pork, hypocrisy and out right BS.

  91. 92
    PollyNo Gravatar says:

    The Repugs know about the huge democratic “movement” here in Alaska from the FEC report. They and the CT based Sarahpac, are probably coaching her in in this stimulus rejecting posture, and everything else she does. Thank-you Andrea for stepping forward with the ethics probe.

    I hope we can figure out how to have a clean election come 2010.

  92. 93
    LiladyNYNo Gravatar says:

    @yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar (01:31:24) :

    BTW, just so this thought doesn’t get lost -

    Can’t remember if I read it here or maybe on HuffPo, but someone said they went to the State of AK website for info on recall of a government official – and it could not be accessed. Something like the infamous ‘Error 404?.

    Anyone else tried that? I have to admit I haven’t, but didn’t want to lose the thought.
    ————————————————————————
    National Conference of State Legislatures Review of Recall Provisions:

    http://www.ncsl.org/programs/legismgt/elect/recallprovision.htm

    Laws Governing Recall in Alaska:

    http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Laws_governing_recall_in_Alaska

  93. 94
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    Polly – Banning Tim Griffin from AK. would be a start……….

  94. 95
    enigma4everNo Gravatar says:

    You all Rock – the BEST Signs and Protests that you do pull together to confront the Narcisstic Barbie Princess….Excellent job….Keep at it…it is adding to her Legacy before she tries to run again in 2012….

    ( and the hypocrite that she is- she owes HALF million in Legal Bills ????)

  95. 96
    PollyNo Gravatar says:

    How do you ban someone? Maybe we can have a group tail him wherever he goes?

  96. 97
    SabrinaNo Gravatar says:

    Great job AK mudpuppies! The CT puppies were there in spirit and doing our part in our corner of the country.

  97. 98
    honestyinGovNo Gravatar says:

    Not being from AK…with the amount of outrage about the rejecting of the Stimulus Funds ‘ WHY ‘ has there not been an effort to start a recall or impeachment…? Isn’t there enough evidence by now. Can the people start a Petition..? Not sure what AK Law dicctates. It seems like ‘ some ‘ in the Government have enough outrage as the regular people now.
    I don’t see any of the AK blogs putting a story out there as far as what it would take to impeach.

  98. 99
    KAREN IN ORNo Gravatar says:

    reading quote pasted by fawnskin mudpuppy from ADN by “another_dude”

    Oh yeah, MAJOR word salad…its got Palin prints all over it! Hard to believe that could have any other author.

  99. 100
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    Polly – oh I know he can’t be banned…….but he can’t be hard to spot………we all know what he looks like. But in case anyone needs a reminder http://www.lincolnstudies.com/?p=442

  100. 102
    PollyNo Gravatar says:

    austintx- I know what you meant. We need an investigative reporter to follow him around. Thank you for your involvement, information and insights.

  101. 103
    Alaska PiNo Gravatar says:

    @honestyinGov (08:31:16) :
    please go back and see AKM’s post about eroding but STILL high approval for the ghastly gov.
    There is not the will to get rid of her now by far too many of us.
    The work is in eroding her base enough to shut her out the next time she tries to pop up…
    or as I prefer to think of it… in jacking up HER bus and putting it away in storage on blocks- with NO wheels…

  102. 104
    clankNo Gravatar says:

    Great job everyone – thanks for representing those of us who couldn’t be there.

    One point – it is time to DROP the whole “special needs” phrasing. We are people with disabilities, kids with disabilities. ALL humans are special. Don’t use Sarah’s sad language. Step up. Thanks…

  103. 105
    MarthaNo Gravatar says:

    Congratulations and a big fat thank you to AKM and all those who supported/went to this rally!!!

    You all set a wonderful example around the globe. You shine the way, for folks to become engaged in their local politics, wherever they may live.

    AKM, as well as entertaining and humorous, your postings are concise and easy to understand.

    That is why you have attracted a global following, as well as great commentators.

    AKM, your focus on the First Nations in your state and the mudpuppies response has literally prevented them from starving or freezing to death this winter. Their cannot be any greater reward then that, for all.

    While some would surely love to have in public office, your annonimoty is essential to the politics of “keeping them honest”.

    In that way you provide a public service that is essential and outside of Alaska, we all wish we had.

    Congratulations again, the world is watching and so very proud of what do /have done.
    Thank you for letting us in and allowing us to be a part of it.
    Sincerely,

    Martha D.

  104. 106
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    Polly – Shannyn Moore and AKM are both on the case. Phil Munger is paying attention also.too.

  105. 107
    MarthaNo Gravatar says:

    clank (08:56:22) :
    Great job everyone – thanks for representing those of us who couldn’t be there.

    One point – it is time to DROP the whole “special needs” phrasing. We are people with disabilities, kids with disabilities. ALL humans are special. Don’t use Sarah’s sad language. Step up. Thanks…

    =========================================

    When I was in grade school(with the dinosaurs…lol) there was a “special class”
    That immediately gave those kids a case of social leprosy.
    Labeling can help or hurt ie.; stroke victim or stroke survivor.
    It can change an individuals outlook.
    Just for myself, I prefer adults or children overcoming challenges. That is what we all do every day on some level, but some are stronger and better able to rise to the task. That is what I see in these folks.

  106. 108
    DinkyPNo Gravatar says:

    Thank you AKM and all the Alaskans standing up for the Truth! I read the blog daily, but have posted only a few comments. I never heard of Sarah until last year. The first time she spoke said it all. I never beileved her Trig story and now she is using it to attack Obama because of a mistake. But in the long run Sarah is using a baby for fame that is a HUGE DECEPTION.

    Sarah and Todd Palin are a JOKE! Sarah needs to learn how to play house before
    she plays politics or President. Refusing the stimulus money when she cannot even pay lawyers for ethic claims she she and Todd should be in jail for. It is Obvious Sarah does not care about education. I truly doubt she even has a real degree. The way she and her corrupt buddies operate they probably lied about the degree. None of her kids so far have graduated high school. Todd is a LOSER! So she believes that schools like libraries are of no use. People are creating a monster in her, by promoting a self serving egotisical maniac. But that is what these wingnut holier than thou godly people do. Say one thing and do another.

    I would never believe anything Sarah said. A few blogs back Les Gara was standing up for her. Sarah has proved to me that she is never to be trusted. She has no business as a public servant. Sarah and Todd Palin are the biggest FARCE’S. Thank you all who have expended time and energy in alerting the public about who Sarah is and why she should never be in a political office again. You are the heros and the brave and courageous americans not Sarah and Todd Palin.

  107. 109
    MollyNo Gravatar says:

    “Sarah Palin is not healthy for children and other living things.”

    –my poster if I had been in AK for the rally

  108. 110
    Martha Unalaska Yard SignNo Gravatar says:

    @ yukonbushgrma

    You are right about the website link:

    http://ltgov.state.ak.us/elections/petitions/irr.php

    However, I don’t see a plot here since I have some familiarity w/ the webmaster, Kami Clark and she’s been there forever, through several govs. I’m sure if someone reported the problem via the contact webmaster link it would be fixed in short order. SP is THE problem, but there are good people working “for” her (unfortunately for them) all over the state just doin’ their jobs.

  109. 111
    Say NO to Palin in PoliticsNo Gravatar says:

    So I guess this is what Alaskans have to do in order to get that much promised, public input that Palin promises is always sought.

    Way to go Alaskans! Demand what your Governor is neglecting for your state, do so for the rest of her term, you’re going to have to, and it is your right.

    Way to blow it Palin, you screwed up……I don’t think you can smooth these ruffled feathers and lie your way out of this one.

    Is it time we posted a calender count down to the next governor election and is it time to start endorsing a better DEMOCRAT for governor, I think so.

    I also think it’s time to delve into the election voting counts up there, city, state and national, how do we start that investigation? tips anyone? I’ll be glad to do what I can to help. Voter fraud crap has got to stop.

  110. 112
    honestyinGovNo Gravatar says:

    UPDATE : NEW L I N K on The H U F F P O
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/22/palin-faces-crowd-of-prot_n_177777.html

    A new story was posted on Huffpo. Already the Palin – BOTS (or Palin – BATS ) have started to post messages diminishing the size of the crowds or amount of support. Post and get the facts out. Get the T R U T H out there.

  111. 113
    MarthaNo Gravatar says:

    Does anyone have an idea of approximately how many folks showed up today?

  112. 114
    Say NO to Palin in PoliticsNo Gravatar says:

    Also forgot to post what I last read about Tim Griffin, that he is considering running for Republican US Senate in Arkansas 2010, that’s kinda interesting huh? If I can find the link I’ll post it.

    From the interview it sounded like since he has married, has a child, bought a home that he’s not that young single guy who was once devoted and focused on himself is why he now has pulled back and is concentrating on his law practice and this “consulting” firm specializing I’m sure in his expertise in “opposition research”.

    When he was asked about being viewed as a Rove’s protege, he said that could be applied to about 200 other young individuals who were working under Rove in the white house, that’s a dang scary thought huh.

    I “think” I read he said something like a lie can be half way around the earth in mass media releases before the opponent knows it. Nice strategy isn’t it, remember that when you read or hear some late breaking republican news. It also talked about how one week during a campaign, especially towards the end is crucial, if they can use up a week having the opponent clearing up a smear distraction that is leaked Sunday, hit’s the news Monday the other camp has to drop everything and scramble to put out fires and do damage control, it’s big bonus that takes away time from real issues plus plants “untruths” as reality to so many. IE, the Hussein middle name, the Muslim school, the birth certificate, the sister, the brother, an so on.

    Tim Griffin is an expert at this.

    I don’t see this as off topic because it has to do with Palin’s presidential election, which has to do with her choices like turning down the stimulous funding to claim “fiscal conservative, small government republican crap. Only this time I think this “advice from possibly Tim” backfired all because people rose up and said NO to her.

  113. 115
    Moose PuckyNo Gravatar says:

    Thanks, AKM, for that report on the inspiring actions of Anchorage folks. Okay, critters, we have legislators in the rest of the state as well. Time to contact them also.

    Thanks, Polly, for that link and great piece of fundraising info.

  114. 116
    Lori in Los AngelesNo Gravatar says:

    I think only the Legislators can impeach the governor in Alaska (and they won’t). The citizens can do a recall like we did in CA with Gray Davis. I would warn you about going from bad to worse (as we may have), but I do not think that is possible in AK.

  115. 117
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    Say NO – not off topic at all……..who knows , if Mr. Griffin hadn’t come to AK. 20 {TWENTY} times to “help” Sarah…….would we even be here talkin’ ??

  116. 118
    Moose PuckyNo Gravatar says:

    She accepted the stimulus money for bulldozers, loud and clear. No discussion needed about that!

  117. 119
    Moose PuckyNo Gravatar says:

    @ Alaska Pi “She hasn’t figured out yet that we are jacking up the bus…
    A few more months and we may have it up on blocks with the wheels removed…”

    Beautiful!

  118. 120
    womanwithsardinecanNo Gravatar says:

    honestyinGovNo Gravatar (09:51:03) :

    UPDATE : NEW L I N K on The H U F F P O
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/22/palin-faces-crowd-of-prot_n_177777.html

    A new story was posted on Huffpo. Already the Palin – BOTS (or Palin – BATS ) have started to post messages diminishing the size of the crowds or amount of support. Post and get the facts out. Get the T R U T H out there.
    ——–
    I made the mistake of reading some of the comments. Always a mistake. We will not win the information “war” by commenting on huffpost with the braindeadies. Unless you are posting biting humor posts (like that one signed by “the wolves”), you are wasting your time and energy. Too bad people don’t have to pass an IQ test to used their keyboards. Making sure that bloggers and the msm are on top of the latest information is much more “cost effective” in terms of time, energy, and people actually reached. Comment wars just increase your cortisol and make your body work harder. If you have a really thick skin, the tendency not to be stressed out by idiocy, and a BIG sense of humor that you can actually articulate, go for it. Otherwise, why feed the trolls.

  119. 121
    womanwithsardinecanNo Gravatar says:

    use

  120. 122
    Moose PuckyNo Gravatar says:

    @ HonestyinGov

    We do what we can and keep an eye on what could follow with recall or impeachment were to occur. Current Lt. Gov. is her best defense against recall or impeachment. Looking forward to next election.

  121. 123
    womanwithsardinecanNo Gravatar says:

    I am saddened again to see a familiar theme played out in “a small voice.” The idea that a particular state or school district is not doing a good job and thus deserves to be closed or have its funding cut off is nothing short of free-market voodoo crap. If particular schools do a poor job of actually meeting the educational needs of children, then we find a way to fix them. We don’t cut off funding so that they die by attrition and take every kid with them. The people who say don’t give money to Anchorage schools are condemning every kid in Anchorage to a substandard education, or, if some of them are already getting a substandard education, they guarantee that it will get worse, not better. Being a Californian, I have seen the sad result of people blaming schools and teachers for poor education while voting in every school funding reduction they can. We excel now at prisons, but our once proud school system is in the garbage and getting hauled to the dump. Yes, schools are more than funding, but they also can’t function without it.
    Also, the idea that funding schools is the reason that textbook prices go up, and up, and up, and up is just bizarre. Textbook prices are climbing at astounding rates during a time of ongoing funding cuts for all schools. Blame the free market, write to the publishers, boycott publishers who gouge on textbooks, but for pete’s sake, stop blaming schools for it.
    Okay, I get off my soapbox now (unemployed teacher).

  122. 124
    JuneauJoe ?No Gravatar says:

    Thank You to those who attended the rally encouraging GINO Palin to change her mind on this important issue!

    Thank You!

  123. 125

    The protestors in Alaska make the best signs ever! I am so inspired by all that creativity!

    I seriously hope the lawmakers are listening and aren’t all asleep at the wheel. It unbelievable that Palin would turn down this money – I’ve never seen anything like this in my 48 years on the planet. We have governors now who don’t even care about their own states in the middle of the second Great Depression! And they expect to get reelected?

    Good to see Walt Monegan out and about, too – Go Walt! Stand up to that witch!

  124. 126
    Martha Unalaska Yard SignNo Gravatar says:

    SP has outdone herself on this one – whatever benefit she was calculating to come out of Thursday’s press conference, then the “about face” the next day – is probably long gone. She really pissed off a lot of Alaskans and Alaskan organizations this time which means no real governorship chances in 2010. And her about face makes no sense to anyone since EVERYONE got the same idea from the press conference. Lie all you want, Sarah – you did some damage to yourself here and I’m very pleased to see that you are still the unpolished, not-so-bright and backward-thinking person that you were as Wasilla’s mayor.

    SP can pander all day to her whack job bot and evangelical zealot base in hopes for greater glory, but she was stupid in playing this game which has pissed of Alaskans.

  125. 127
    sjk from the belly of the planeNo Gravatar says:

    tell sarah to PUCK OFF!

  126. 128
    womanwithsardinecanNo Gravatar says:

    I think KO or Rachel need to interview that lawyer dude who wrote the really good email to his friends and clients about what a poor representative for special needs GINO really is. Kicking the regular kids in the teeth with her no-education-funds posturing is one thing, but kicking the special needs kids is SO going to bite her on that sorry ass of hers. I can’t wait. Let the fallout begin. Duck and cover.

  127. 129
    jojobo1No Gravatar says:

    Think of it this way the people of Iowa will not fall for this woman especially with the scientology theme that that she is now running for.Wonder if the religious right will pay for her attorney bills since she has put her hands out begging for help.Great to see all the people out and about even in the cold..The signs were great also

  128. 130
    crystalwolf aka caligrlNo Gravatar says:

    jojobo1(13:27:36) :

    Think of it this way the people of Iowa will not fall for this woman especially with the scientology theme that that she is now running for.Wonder if the religious right will pay for her attorney bills since she has put her hands out begging for help.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    As we speak….they (her minions of evil) are talking about a fund for her legal bills and poor GINO with all those “anklebiter’s” causing her trouble…..!
    I am not kidding!
    Loved the creative signs! LOVED them!!!
    One of her minions said she spoke @ a repotalinbani women’s club yesterday (wasilla)…anyone hear of it?? I think its very important to (possibly) do what AKM did, in these situations if we can….Remember “where’s sarah?”

  129. 131
    crystalwolf aka caligrlNo Gravatar says:

    Ok we know Dyson is a A$$Hat…..
    from the Alaskan Standard (which is slanted toward conservative)
    Phil Isley, a dark horse candidate for mayor, asked the legislature to reject all the stimulus funds because of the burden it would place on future generations. He referred to an earlier comment that had been made by Mayor Claman, who said that the stimulus funds were like a two-year gift card. Mr. Isley said “this is not a gift card, this stimulus money is a credit card, with interest and penalties that we will be paying on forever.” No applause for Mr. Isley, except for Senator Fred Dyson who stood up and clapped.”
    “A woman who claimed to be an assistant Attorney General for the state of Alaska cornered Senator Con Bunde as he was walking out, putting her finger in his face and demanding that he reverse his position on rejecting stimulus funds for pre-k education. Apparently, Senator Bunde, one of the few true fiscal conservatives in the legislature said “no”, and the woman stormed back into the room proclaiming loudly “that bastard”.”

    http://thealaskastandard.com/?q=content/one-small-voice

    Does anyone know who this AG for the state is? is it Karen Loeffler? Maybe we need to start contacting her????
    A bug in her ear????Anyone who was there know?

  130. 132
    GiGi in MnNo Gravatar says:

    She is one sick little puppy, I pray to God that the people in Alaska wake up and smell the boiling coffee..

  131. 134
    StarNo Gravatar says:

    Great pics. from the rally ..Hope sistasarah enjoyed them..Another good article on huffpost about G Vansuckup and JohnCoal .There is even a pic. of John Coal watching Sarah at the IRON dOG…iT creeps me out…Very enlightening read…Throw in a little scientology…witchcaft…It’s all there…

  132. 135
    crystalwolf aka caligrlNo Gravatar says:

    Wildlife Avenger(15:18:43) :

    I’m looking for Sarah.

    http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/wallpaper/img/2009/04/apr09wallpaper-19_1280.jpg
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    :lol:

  133. 136
    wayneyNo Gravatar says:

    see this? a video of the protest

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr4wcSSyKVU

  134. 137

    On Friday night, I posted:
    the problem child (an aunt, also)No Gravatar (18:08:52) :

    Will someone hold up a sign for me that says, “Education doesn’t work for the Palins. Why would it work for us?”
    —————-

    Thank you anonymous AK guy who either heard my request or had the same thought. I now feel like a part of me was there both in spirit and in person.

  135. 138
    TewiseNo Gravatar says:

    @ crystalwolf aka caligrl shame on you, gino is definately no mermaid….

  136. 139
    crystalwolf aka caligrlNo Gravatar says:

    TewiseNo Gravatar (16:12:01) :

    @ crystalwolf aka caligrl shame on you, gino is definately no mermaid….
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    I know…manatees are too cute! But the bottom feeding….now that’s GINO!

  137. 140
    austintxNo Gravatar says:

    the problem child – re: cleanup after party……..we only had one guest after you left……..and he was nice and neat and no problem whatsoever. since no one else came over , let’s keep the “cover” issue between us…….ok ??

  138. 141
    Lisabeth AzNo Gravatar says:

    The team Sarah people who are writing at Hiufingtom post sound like Stepford wives. They sound nuts- vacant, empty, meaningless one liners , all cloned, one after another. I can’t believe their aren’t comments here like that! They are freaky just like Palin! And that nutty writing at ADN sounds just like her.

    The thing that perplexes me the most is how anyone can think she is capable of being president!!!! Just think about it! Can you imagine HER representing the USA, all of us? Yikes!!!!!

  139. 142
    HelenNo Gravatar says:

    Attention yukonbushgrmaNo Gravatar (01:31:24) : “BTW, just so this thought doesn’t get lost – Can’t remember if I read it here or maybe on HuffPo, but someone said they went to the State of AK website for info on recall of a government official – and it could not be accessed. Something like the infamous ‘Error 404?.

    Anyone else tried that? I have to admit I haven’t, but didn’t want to lose the thought.”
    ___________________________________________________________________

    Don’t know if this is what you need, but there is a link in this post that will take you to a step by step guide on recalling an Alaskan Gov.

    http://nailinpalinnow.blogspot.com/2009/02/alaskans-recall-governor-palin-for-you.html

    Way to go Alaskans! Now that spring is coming, why not start planning the next protest – say in 4 weeks. It can be over the Wildlife Jihad, the start of The Recall Palin movement, or for whatever she does next between now and then…C’mon, please consider it! And if you start it at noon, you’ll have an even bigger turnout, according to some of the slacker anti-Palin squad.

  140. 143

    crystalwolf aka caligrlNo Gravatar (16:18:59) :

    TewiseNo Gravatar (16:12:01) :

    @ crystalwolf aka caligrl shame on you, gino is definately no mermaid….
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    I know…manatees are too cute! But the bottom feeding….now that’s GINO!
    —————-
    ENDANGERED bottom feeder, at that…

  141. 144

    @austintx :0x lips r maniteed.

  142. 145
    Wildlife AvengerNo Gravatar says:

    “Melvin” knows where to start in his search. The bottom. Other agents of the wild are awaiting their turn.

  143. 146
    Larry LoveNo Gravatar says:

    I can’t believe this Barracuda approval rating is at 60%. Was that poll done by Rassmussen. This woman is Tragedy. “To be or not to be” NOT TO BE!

  144. 147
    aklpleeNo Gravatar says:

    So sorry I missed it, but excellent coverage! Wonderful signs! My idea was “Shut up, Sarah–you’re embarrassing us again! Bob Poe for governor!

  145. 148
    let it runNo Gravatar says:

    Why can’t someone just sit her down and say Stop This! Finish your term as Governor and melt into obscurity! That must be some kool-aid !!

  146. 149
    SillyWhabbit Seattle, WANo Gravatar says:

    Very nice post. Very nice signs.

  147. 150
    Eric DonderoNo Gravatar says:

    Many Libertarians have been skeptical of Palin, and her limited government rhetoric. She’s been the darling of the Conservatives, but not yet Libertarians. She just won the hearts and minds of millions of Libertarian voters for 2012, by rejecting half the Stimulus. She may end up winning the Libertarian Party nomination now, in addition to the GOP.

  148. 151
    LorraineNo Gravatar says:

    I am tired of Sarah Palin using our Governors office for her personal gain. We need to kick her out of office.

  149. 152
    Roberto LaForza del DestinoNo Gravatar says:

    The only number Sarah cares about is 2012. Alaska? A backwater she will use to blot her lipstick.

  150. 153
    MelissaNo Gravatar says:

    In Juneau there was also a protest on the good ol’ capitol steps and Sarah even decided to show up, attempting to defend her decision. I was way in the back so I couldn’t hear her but there is a video posted of the Juneau rally: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr4wcSSyKVU

    My sign was the caricature of Palin saying “F@*$ you, Alaska” in a word bubble.

    I’m really impressed with the creativity and pointedness of the signs at the Anchorage Rally. Way to go!

  151. 154
    mauimannNo Gravatar says:

    as I’ve said from the first introduction of Ms. Sarah the Devine…a has been who never was…amen…

  152. 155
    catNo Gravatar says:

    What a great gathering! I was so glad I was there. The only problem is that ADN article spoke of “dozens” of us and forum posts laughed at that small number. He must have come after a lot of us moved into the chamber. Did anyone get a good estimation of how many showed up?

  153. 156
    suzanneNo Gravatar says:

    so much for ms palin’s heartfelt commitment to special education. save all this for ’12; it will be her national clown show.


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